Combination camping outfit



Nov. 24, 1964 D. G. WEIR ETAL 3,158,299

COMBINATION CAMPING OUTFIT Filed Oct. 19, 1962 Y 5 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 24, 1964 D. G. WEIR ETAL 3,158,299

COMBINATION CAMPING OUTFIT Filed Oct. 19, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent O 3,158,299 COMBINATION CAMPING OUTFIT Donald G. Weir, 1682 25th St., Harbor City, Calif., and John Le Roy Luke, 1457 W. 228th St., Torrance, Calif. Filed Oct. 19, 1962, Ser. No. 231,681 4 Claims. (Cl. 224-25) The present invention relates to a combination camping outfit which may be formed into a knapsack for holding blankets, supplies and provisions when travelling; and it relates more particularly to such an improved com bination camping outfit which has universal utility, in that it is readily adaptable for use as a table, cot, tent, bath, boat, stretcher, and so on.

Various camping outfits have been proposed in the past which are designed to be carried on the back of a hiker, and which provide the hiker with various devices necessary and desirable for personal protection and comfort while camping. For example, a knapsack has been proposed which can be set up in a form to provide a sleeping space. However, in general, the various knapsack type of camping outfits proposed in the past have not been sufiiciently flexible to provide most of the necessities for comfortable camping. Furthermore, the prior art camping outfits are usually of such a form that they cannot be easily and conveniently carried as a knapsack.

In general, the present invention comprises a combination camping outfit which is reduceable to a knapsack to be conveniently carried on the back, and which includes an internal framework which, in conjunction with certain flexible fabric members, may be formed into a variety of different camping articles and structures, as will be described.

The improved combination camping outfit of the present invention is particularly conceived to help sustain a person in almost any environment. The camping outfit of the invention is constructed to be conveniently reduced to knapsack form so that it can be comfortably carried on a persons back without affecting his locomotion in any appreciable manner. The resulting knapsack is so configured and carried that the person carrying it is free to walk, hunt, fish, and to move freely without suffering appreciable inconvenience.

Moreover, the improved combination camping outfit of the invention is constructed to provide ample storage space for blankets, supplies and provisions. A constructed embodiment of the invention, for example, provides storage space of the order of two cubic feet.

The improved camping outfit of the invention, when reduced to a knapsack, is supported on the back of the person carrying it by a uniquely formed carrying bracket assembly. This carrying bracket assembly has a central resilient web portion and rigid tubular side portions in the embodiment to be described, and it also has appropriate shoulder straps attached thereto. The tubular side portions of the carrying bracket assembly are shaped to provide four legs at the respective corners of the assembly.

The knapsack, to which the camping outfit of the invention may be reduced, has a taut flat outer surface. The resulting knapsack may conveniently be used as a table, merely by removing it from the back of the person and by setting it on the ground. The legs of the carrying bracket now constitute the table legs, and the taut outer surface of the knapsack forms the table top. The side of the knapsack may be opened when it is in this position so that the provisions carried therein may be removed.

The camping outfit of the invention includes an internal foldable rack, as will be described; and this rack provides a rigid compartment for supplies and provisions, when it is in its folded condition. The camping outfit 3,158,299 Patented Nov. 24, 1964 is so constructed that when it is set on the ground to constitute a table, a side flap may be opened, as mentioned above, so that provisions and supplies may be removed from the internal compartment. 7

The internal foldable rack of the camping outfit of the invention includes a tubular framework. When the rack is unfolded, the tubular framework is adapted to receive and support an encompassing waterproof fabric hull. This enables the camping outfit to be quickly formed into a boat. The resulting boat has sufficient buoyancy so that it can easily support the weight of a man.

The above-mentioned carrying bracket assembly is con figured so that it can be snapped into place in supporting receptacles on the internal rack, so as to constitute a seat for the boat. Buoyancy chambers may also be provided to prevent sinking of the boat under any conditions.

The foldable rack described in the preceding paragraph is adapted to receive a further fabric piece. This further fabric piece may be hooked over the top of the tubular framework. This top fabric piece constitutes the table top referred to above when the camping outfit is folded into its knapsack configuration. When the internal rack of the camping outfit is unfolded, the top fabric piece may be hooked into place over the open top of the tubular framework. The resulting assembly forms a comfortable cot, or hammock, on which a person may be suspended comfortably over an air space between the top and bottom of the rack.

A feature of the invention is that the camping outfit of the invention can be unfolded and formed into a boat or cot in an extremely short time, for example, in a time of the order of two or three minutes. The convenient manner by which the camping outfit of the invention can be folded to a knapsack configuration and unfolded into a boat or cot will become evident as the present description proceeds.

The camping outfit of the invention, in the embodiment to be described, also carries a waterproof fabric tent, or canopy, which may be quickly and conveniently mounted on appropriate supporting bows over the cot. This canopy, complete with flaps and, if so desired, mosquito netting, forms a snug windproof and waterproof shelter. The shelter is provided in a simple and convenient manner, merely by mounting the canopy in place on the bows, as will be described.

Appropriate paddles for the boat may also be included, and a pillow for the cot may also be provided loose, or aflixed to the top piece of flexible material.

As will become evident as the description proceeds, the improved camping outfit of the invention is also conveniently adaptable to other purposes, so as to constitute, for example, a bath tub, stretcher, and the like.

It is, accordingly, an object of the invention to provide an improved combination camping outfit which may be carried as a knapsack, and which is quickly adapted to a variety of camping uses and purposes so as to sustain the camper comfortably in any environment.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an improved combination camping unit which is light in weight and most convenient to carry.

Another object is to provide such an improved combination camping unit which has universal application, and which is adaptable to be formed into, inter alia, a cot, boat, shelter, or a knapsack for storing and carrying provisions and the like.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such an improved combination camping outfit which is relatively simple and economical to fabricate and assemble, which utilizes readily available components, and which can be manufactured and sold at a relatively low cost.

A further object of the invention is to provide such an improved combination camping unit which is adaptable to serve as a comfortable and safe sleeping accommodation, and yet which may be easily, quickly and conveniently reduced to a form such that it can be readily carried on the back of a hiker.

A further object is to provide such an improved combination camping outfit which is strong and durable.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following specification when taken in conjunction with the accom; panying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the improved combination camping outfit of the invention, the camping outfit being illustrated in FIG- URE 1 in its folded, knapsack condition, and in appro priate condition to be supported on the back of a hiker;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the combination camping unit of the invention, set on the ground in its folded knapsack configuration, so as to constitute a convenient table;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective View of the combination camping outfit of the invention in a partially unfolded condition, and in a preliminary stage to being formed into a boat;

FIGURE 4 is an exploded view of the various components of the combination camping outfit of the invention, and illustrating the camping outfit in an unfolded condition, so that it may be for-med into a boat, a cot, and a shelter;

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the internal foldab le rack of the combination camping outfit of the invention, and illustrating the rack in its unfolded extended condition;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of the foldable rack of FIGURE 5 in its fully extended, unfolded condition;

FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of the foldable rack of FIGURES 5 and 6, and illustrating the rack in a preliminary partially folded stage;

FIGURE 8 is a view, substantially on the line 8-8 of FIGURE 7, and illustrating the foldable rack of FIGURE 7 in its fully folded condition;

FIGURES 9, 10 and 11 illustrate the manner in which various tubular members, constituting the tubular framework of the foldable rack, are hinged to one another;

FIGURES 12 and 13 illustrate the manner in which certain of the tubular members of the tubular frame- Work are releasably attached to one another;

FIGURE 14 shows the manner in which the top fabric piece may be fastened to the tubular side members of the tubular framework to constitute a cot or table top;

FIGURE 15 illustrates the manner in which the waterproof fabric hull may be fastened to a tubular side member of the framework on the opposite side from FIG- URE l4; and

FIGURE 16 illustrates further details of a carrying bracket assembly for the camping outfit of the invention when in its knapsack form.

The perspective view of FIGURE 1 illustrates the combination camping outfitof the illustrated embodiment of the invention in a folded and packed condition to constitute a knapsack 10. The knapsack 10 has a dish-shaped configuration, and its sides and bottom are enclosed by a waterproof fabric member 12. This waterproof fabric member, as will be described in detail hereinafter, is utilized to constitute a fabric hull fora boat into which the camping outfit may be formed.

The outer surface of the knapsack 10 (hidden in FIG- URE 1) is enclosed by a second fabric cover strip '14. The second fabric cover strip is fastened in place by means of a plurality of fasteners, such as clips 16 (FIG- URE 14,) as will be described, and it is drawn taut across the plane of the outer surface of the knapsack 10.

The knapsack 10 is conveniently carried on the back of a biker by means of a carrying bracket assembly 18. The carrying bracket assembly 18, as shown in FIG- URES l and 16, has a pair of tubular side members 20 and 22. These side members are rigid in nature, and they are configured to form legs at each corner of the bracket 18.

A pair of prongs 24 and 26 are formed in the forward ends of the respective tubular members 20 and 22. A pair of clips 28 and 30 are pivotally mounted on a cross bar 32. The pronges and clips have the form shown more clearly in FIGURE 16. A plurality of fabric tabs 34 are vulcanized, or otherwise affixed to the surface of the fabric member 12. These tabs have slots formed in them to receive the prongs 24 and 26, and

the clips 28 and 30. That is, the tabs are afiixed to the surface of the {fabric member 12 in a manner to form pockets for receiving the ends of the prongs and clips. In this manner, the carrying bracket 18 may be removably mounted on the knapsack 10, so that it provides a convenient carrying means for the knapsack.

An upper strap 36 extends across the carrying bracket assembly 18 between a pair of diagonal members 38.. The strap 36 is movable along the diagonal members, and it may be adjusted to a position such that it comfontably engages the shoulders of the person carrying the knapsack. A lower breech strap 40 extends across the lower legs of the tubular members 20 and 22. This breech strap 40 is adapted to fit across the hips of the person carrying the knapsack.

An upper bar 42 extends across the carrying bracket, and a pair of adjustable shoulder straps 44 extend around the bar 42 and around the upper strap 36. The lower ends of the shoulder straps 44 are clipped to further clip portions of the clips 34, as shown.

The carrying bracket 18' has a central web portion 48 formed of interlaced fabric strips. This central web portion bears against the surface of the knapsack 10 in the representation of FIGURE 1.

It be appreciated, therefore, that the combination camping outfit of the invention, when formed into the knapsack configuration 10 of FIGURE 1, may be conveniently carried on the back of the hiker. The overall dimensions of a typical embodiment are of the order of 2 x 2 /2 x 1. Also, the entire camping outfit of the invention is relatively light, and it may be of the order of 20 pounds.

As mentioned above, the removable carrying bracket assembly 18 permits the knapsack 10 to be carried on the back of the hiker in such a manner that only the straps 36 and 40, engage the back and shoulders, as mentioned above. This reduces to a minimum any tendency for the knapsack to cause perspiration or excessive tiring of the person carrying it. Also, as will be described, the bracket assembly may be removed and used as a seat.

The improved knapsack 10 of FIGURE 1 may be conveniently utilized as a table. This may be achieved, as shown in FIGURE 2, merely by removing the knapsack from the back of the hiker, and by placing it on the ground in the position shown in FIGURE 2. The tubular side members 20 and 22 of the carrying bracket assembly 13 now form convenient legs for the table, and the taut fabric cover 14 fonms a table top. The fabric member 12 is folded in a manner to be described, aud it has snap-button fasteners 50- which normally engage corresponding snap-button fasteners 52 in the fabric cover 14. These snap-button fasteners 50, 52 may be quickly unfastened, and the folded end of the fabric hull 12 opened out, as shown in FIGURE 2, to reveal the interior of the knapsack 10. In this position, the provisions carried in the knapsack are readily available, for use in conjunction with the table.

As will be described in more detail subsequently, the illustrated embodiment of the improved combination camping outfit of the present invention includes an internal foldable rack 60. This rack has tubular sides, and it may be quickly unfolded and opened out, in a manner to be described, to form the framework for a suitable boat. The hull of the boat is formed by the waterproof fabric member 12, this member being clipped to the tubular sides of the rack 60 by means of a plurality of fasteners, such as clips or hooks 62 (FIGURE A paddle 64 for the boat is also carried in the knapsack 10. The lower part of the paddle may be removed from the handle when the camping outfit is folded into a knapsack. Then the handle portion may be fitted across the upper frame to form a cross support at the open end of the table in FIGURE 2.

As best shown in FIGURE 5, the bottom of rack-60 includes a plurality of parallel spaced slats 66 which extend across the tubular framework sides of the rack. Certain ones of these slats 66 include appropriate sockets for receiving the legs of the carrying bracket assembly 18. This permits the carrying bracket 18 to serve as a suitable seat for the boat. These sockets may be disposed on various ones of the slats 66, so that the bracket 13 may be placed in any of several desired positions in the boat.

As illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 15, the fabric hull 12 hooks over the tubular side members of the rack 60 by means of fasteners, such as the hooks 62. In addition, the fabric cover 14 hooks over the upper edge of the rack by means of fasteners, such as the hooks 16. The fabric cover 14 is stretched taut over the open top of the rack 60 by means of the fasteners, such as the hooks 16, and it serves as an appropriate cot or hammock for the camper. The cot is especially comfortable in that it suspends the camper over the dead air space between the fabric cover 14 and the fabric hull 12. A suitable pillow 68 may be provided. This may be an air pillow, and it may be fixed to the fabric strip 14, if so desired.

Air-filled buoyancy members (not shown) may be afiixed to the inner surface of the fabric hull 12 within the boat. These buoyancy members serve to provide additional buoyancy for the boat.

A waterproof fabric canopy 70 is also provided, and this canopy is adapted to be supported over the cot formed by the fabric cover 14. The canopy 70 preferably has end vents 71, as shown in FIGURE 4. The canopy 70 is supported over the cot by means of a plurality of bows 72, 74 and 76. These bows may be formed of a light, resilient metal, or of any other suitable substance. The ends of the bows 72, 74 and 76 extend through corresponding apertures 80 in the fabric cover 14, and they are received by corresponding pairs of sockets 82, 84 and 86.

The pair of sockets 82 are afiixed to the upper ends of a U-shaped forward rib 88, and the pair of sockets 86 are aflixed to the upper end of a U-shaped rear rib 90. The pair of sockets 84 are attached to movable ribs 92, as will be described in more detail in conjunction with FIGURE 12.

The ends of the forward bow 72 are tapered by an angle of, for example, 15, on one side only and in the illustrated direction in FIGURE 4. The sockets 82 are similarly tapered to receive the tapered ends of the bow 72. The ends of the central bow 74 are tapered on both sides, as illustrated. These latter tapers may be of the order, for example, of 7. The sockets 84 are similarly tapered to receive the tapered ends of the bow 74. The ends of the rear bow 76 are tapered on one side only and in the illustrated direction in FIGURE 4, the angle of taper being of the order, for example, of 15 The sockets 86 are correspondingly tapered to receive the tapered ends of the bow 76.

The canopy 70 fits snugly over the bows 72, 74 and 76 and down over the sides of the hull 12' to form an enclosed windproof and rainproof shelter for the cot. The canopy includes a flap 96 which may be opened and closed. A similar flap, not shown, may be provided on the hidden side of the canopy 70 in FIGURE 4 to provide cross ventilation when desired in warm weather. Appropriate zippers (not shown) are provided at the edges of the flaps to hold them in a closed condition. If so desired, and as mentioned above, appropriate mosquito netting may be mounted internally of the flaps, so as to provide protection from insects when the flaps are opened.

The internal rack 60 includes a tubular framework, as mentioned above. This tubular framework includes a tubular member 100 which is bent to have a U-sbaped configuration with parallel sides, and which extends around the stern of the hull. This tubular member 100 forms a portion of the upper edge of the rack 60.

A pair of tubular members 102 (FIGURE 5) are hinged to the ends of the tubular member 100 by a pair of hinges 112. The hinges 112 are shown in FIGURE 11. These hinges are of the single limiting type, and they limit against downward angular movement of the tubular members 100 and 102, when the rack 60 is opened out to the position shown in FIGURES 5 and 6.

A further pair of tubular members 106 are hinged to corresponding ones of the tubular members 102 by respective hinges 108. The hinges 108 are of the type shown in FIGURE 10. This latter hinge is also of the single limiting type, and it limits in the position shown in FIG- URE 10, at which the tubular members 102 and 106 are disposed horizontally. The limit hinges 108 prevent any sag between the tubular members 102 and 106. It will be observed that the center of rotation of each of the hinges 108 is disposed down from the center line of the tubular members 102 and 106, so that the rack 60 may be conveniently opened out with the tubular members in axial alignment. The tubular members 102 on either side of the rack, and the tubular members 106, each preferably converge inwardly to facilitate the folding of the rack into the configuration shown in FIGURE 8.

The ends of the tubular members 106 are hinged to the ends of a U-shaped tubular member 110 by means of a pair of hinges 104. The tubular member 110 has a U-shaped configuration with parallel sides, and it extends around the bow of the boat formed by the rack 60 and fabric hull 12.

The hinges 104 are of the type shown in FIGURE 9. These hinges are of the double limiting type, in that they eachhave two limiting positions. The hinges 112 each limit in the position shown in FIGURE 9 at which they prevent downward angular motion of the tubular members 110 as seen in FIGURE 6. The hinges 112 also each limit at a further angle, so that when the tubular member 100 is turned up in a counter-clockwise direction, the hinge 112 causes it to carry the tubular member 102 with it in a counter-clockwise direction about the axis of rotation of the hinges 108.

The ribs 88 and are welded to the respective upper tubular members 110 and 100, and they extend with a U-shaped configuration across the rack, as shown in' FIGURES 4, 5 and 6. Additional U- haped cross ribs 114 and 116 are provided. The rib 114 is welded, for example, to the U-shaped tubular member 110; and the rib 116 is welded, for example, to the U-shaped upper tubular member 100.

The rack 60 further includes a pair of L-shaped tubular members 118 which extend parallel to one another. These members are welded to the U-shaped member 100, and they extend down around the stern of the boat and across the ribs 90 and 116. The tubular members 118 are welded to the tubular members and to the ribs 90 and 116. As best shown in FIGURE 5, the tubular members 118 are disposed in spaced parallel relationship.

A further pair of spaced parallel tubular members 120 are hinged to the tubular members 118 by means of a pair of hinges 122. The hinges 122 are similar to the hinges 108, and are of the type shown in FIGURE 10.

In like manner, a pair of forward L-shaped tubular members 124 extend parallel down from the U-shaped member in spaced parallel relationship, as best shown in FIGURES and 6. The members 124 are welded, for example, to the U-shaped member 110, and to the ribs 88 and 114. A further pair of spaced parallel members 126 are hinged to respective ones of the tubular members 124 by appropriate hinges 128. The hinges 128, likewise, are of the single limiting type shown in FIGURE 10. The tubular members 124 and 126, likewise, preferably converge inwardly towards one another.

The hinges 122 limit to prevent any downward angular movement of the tubular members 118, and the hinges 128 limit to prevent any angular downward movement of the tubular :members 124.

Each of the hinges described above preferably includes a non-ferrous Washer composed, for example, of nylon. The nylon washers function as tensioning members, and they serve to maintain the assembly in a taut condition, even after long intervals of use.

The spaced parallel slats 66 referred to above are positioned to extend across the respective tubular members 124, 126, 120 and 118 in spaced parallel relationship, as best shown in FIGURE 5. These slats are preferably welded to the various tubular members.

The tubular members 126 are hinged to the tubular members 1243 by meanso-f a pair of hinges 138. These hinges are of the type shown in FIGURE 13. The hinges 13% are constructed to limit in the position shown in FIGURE 6, for example, so as to prevent any downward sag of the intersection between the tubular members 120 and 1245.

In addition, and as shown in FIGURES 12 and 13, the hinges 136 are each constructed so that each of the tubular members 120 may be unhooked from the corresponding hinge at a particular angular relationship with the Corresponding member 126. The locking edges of the hinge 130 are disposed to lock at an angle to the vertical, as shown, so as to facilitate the unhooking of the tubular members 120. 7

As also shown in FIGURE 12, the ribs 92 are pivotally mounted to the hinge 1198 by means, for example, of a pivot pin 132, and these ribs are locked to the hinges 130 by protruding pins 134 each having a head which engages a slot 136 in the end of the corresponding rib 92.

In order to transform the combination outfit of the illustrated embodiment of the invention from the condition shown in FIGURE 4 back to the knapsack 10 condition shown in FIGURE 1, the first operation is to remove the tent canopy 70 and the bows 72, '72 and 76. The fabric cover strip 14 is then completely unhooked from the rack 64 and removed. The carrying bracket assembly 18 is removed. The forward portion of the fabric hull 12 is then unclipped from the rack 6%.

The movable ribs 92 are then both swung towards the forward end of the rack 60, to release the pins 134 from the slots 136 (FIGURE 12). The ribs 92 are then swung back towards the stern of the rack and up out of the way.

As a next operation, the center portion of the rack 60 is then lifted up to the position shown in FIGURE 7, and the tubular members 120 are unhooked from the tubular members 126. As also shown in FIGURE 7, the tubular member 120 are then swung back down on the tubular members 118, and the tubular members 126 are turned back down on the tubular members 124.

For the operation described above, the rear portion of the fabric hull 12 is still clipped tothe tubular members 160 of the rack oil. The forward portion of the fabric hull 12 is now folded back into the stern portion of the rack 60 over the tubular members 118 and 129. Now, the forward portion of the rack is turned back as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, so that the tubular members 110 and 124 are turned down over the folded back portion of the fabric hull 12 within the stern section. When the rack is in the resulting fully folded condition, it has the configuration shown in FIGURE 8.

In the latter condition of the assembly, a folded portion of the fabric hull 12 protrudes out through the end of the 8 assembly, in the same manner as shown in FIGURE 2. The bows 72, 74 and 76 are now inserted in the folded over section of the rack 69 and these bows conveniently fit around the inner periphery of the folded rack.

The pillow 68 and paddle 64 are also positioned along the inner sides of the assembly. The canopy and blankets are then folded over the folded-over portion of the rack 60. The pontion of the assembly directly under the folded over rack section is reserved for provisions and supplies, and the folded over rack section forms a. structurally rigid inner compartment for these provisions and supplies.

The fabric 14 is then folded back on itself in the same manner as shown in FIGURE 2, and it is clipped in place over the top end of the rack 60, and over the sides of the fabric hull 12. The resulting package has a configuration similar to that illustrated in FIGURE 2. The edges of the protruding portion of the hull 12 may be folded to assume the position shown in FIGURE 2.

Then, to close the entire pack, the forward end of the fabric hull 12 is turned up over the edge of the fabric 14, and the snap-buttons 5t) and 52 are snapped together. The carrying bracket 18 may then be slipped into place in the fabric tabs 34, and the camping outfit becomes the knapsack it? of FIGURE 1.

The invention provides, therefore, an improved camping outfit which is rugged and durable in its construction; which is light and easy to carry; and which can quickly and conveniently be formed into a variety of camping articles essential for the comfort, convenience and Wellbeing of the camper.

'While a panticular embodiment of the invention has been described, modifications may be made; and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which fall within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A camping outfit including: a foldable rack adapted to be opened out to define a structure having sides and a bottom and an open top; a strip of waterproof flexible material adapted to encompass the bottom and sides of said rack to form the hull of a boat; a plurality of clips secured to said strip at spaced distances around the periphery thereof for releasably attaching said strip to said rack; means including a carrying bracket assembly having a flexible Web-like fabric central portion and adapted to be removably mounted on said strip of flexible material for enabling the outfit to be carried on a persons back, said carrying bracket assembly including rigid tubular side members configured to provide legs for the outfit when the outfit is removed from the persons back; and means mounted on the bottom of said rack for receiving said legs of said carrying bracket assembly to enable the carrying bracket assembly to be mounted in said hull so as to constitute a seat for said boat.

2. A combination camping outfit including: a foldable rack adapted to be opened out to define a structure having sides and a bottom and an open top; a strip of waterproof flexible material adapted to encompass the bottom and sides of said rack to form the hull of a boat; a plurality of clips secured to said flexible strip at spaced distances around the periphery thereof for releasably attaching said strip to said rack; means including a carrying bracket assembly adapted to be removably mounted on said strip of flexible material for enabling the outfit to be carried on a persons back, said carrying bracket assembly including tubular side members configured to provide legs for the outfit when the outfit is removed from the persons back; a further strip of flexible material adapted to enclose the open top of said rack; and a further plurality of clips secured to said further strip at spaced distances around the periphery thereof for releasably attaching said further strip to said rack in a taut condition oversaid open top to form a table top and a hammock.

sides and a bottom and an open top; a strip of flexible material adapted to encompass the bottom and sides of said rack; fastener means secured to said strip for attaching said strip to said rack; means including a carrying bracket assembly adapted to be removably mounted on said strip of flexible material for enabling the outfit to be carried on a persons back; a further strip of flexible material adapted to enclose the open top of said rack; a further plurality of fasteners secured to said further strip around the periphery thereof for releasably attaching said further strip to said rack in a taut condition over said open top of said rack to form a hammock; upstanding bracket means; receptacle means mounted on said rack for removably supporting said upstanding bracket means; and a canopy adapted to fit over said bracket means and provide an enclosed space over said hammock.

4. A combination camping outfit including: a foldable rack having tubular members defining sides and a bottom and an open top, and further having a plurality of spaced and parallel slat members extending across said bottom; a strip of water-proof flexible material adapted at spaced distances around the periphery thereof for to encompass the bottom and sides of said rack to form releasably attaching said further strip to said rack in a taut condition over said top to form a hammock; upstanding bracket means; means mounted on said rack for releasably supporting said upstanding bracket means; and a canopy adapted to fit over said bracket means and provide an enclosed space over said hammock.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,133,717 Robes Oct. 18, 1938 2,316,456 Robes Apr. 13, 1943 2,964,222 Rainwater Dec. 13, 1960 2,973,888 Beardsley Mar. 7, 1961 3,028,612 Sindell Apr. 10, 1962 

1. A CAMPING OUTFIT INCLUDING: A FOLDABLE RACK ADAPTED TO BE OPENED OUT TO DEFINE A STRUCTURE HAVING SIDES AND A BOTTOM AND AN OPEN TOP; A STRIP OF WATERPROOF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL ADAPTED TO ENCOMPASS THE BOTTOM AND SIDES OF SAID RACK TO FORM THE HULL OF A BOAT; A PLURALITY OF CLIPS SECURED TO SAID STRIP AT SPACED DISTANCES AROUND THE PERIPHERY THEREOF FOR RELEASABLY ATTACHING SAID STRIP TO SAID RACK; MEANS INCLUDING A CARRYING BRACKET ASSEMBLY HAVING A FLEXIBLE WEB-LIKE FABRIC CENTRAL PORTION AND ADAPTED TO BE REMOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID STRIP OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL FOR ENABLING THE OUTFIT TO BE CARRIED ON A PERSON''S BACK, SAID CARRYING BRACKET ASSEMBLY INCLUDING RIGID TUBULAR SIDE MEMBERS CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE LEGS FOR THE OUTFIT WHEN THE OUTFIT IS REMOVED FROM THE PERSON''S BACK; AND MEANS MOUNTED ON THE BOTTOM OF SAID RACK FOR RECEIVING SAID LEGS OF SAID CARRYING BRACKET ASSEMBLY TO ENABLE THE CARRYING BRACKET ASSEMBLY TO BE MOUNTED IN SAID HULL SO AS TO CONSTITUTE A SEAT FOR SAID BOAT. 